4News.it's Reviews
Tactics Ogre: Reborn allows one to approach a classic tactical role-playing game with a long list of improvements, ranging from overall presentation to playful balance. A neatly packaged re-release, albeit with some minor levity, that opens up usability to a wider modern audience. Despite the decades that have passed, the epic of Denam, Catiua and Vyce still proves to be a total masterpiece, thanks to a deep narrative, rich gameplay and stellar replayability. A must-have title for fans of Yoshitsuna Kobayashi and Tomoya Asano, but not only.
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GRIS confirms itself, years later, as a small gem in the landscape of independent productions. Nomada Studio takes us on a synaesthetic experience in which art and music wrap themselves around a mysterious and melancholy story. A meaningful and touching journey through the stages of grief, from heartbreaking sorrow to heartwarming rebirth. If from the standpoint of presentation and themes GRIS excels, ludically the experience is unfortunately all too linear, simple and essential. A definite choice on the part of the development team, however, that may alienate some of the audience: for everyone else, it is impossible not to still cherish Devolver Digital's classic.
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The Beast Inside finally arrives on consoles bringing with it the undeniable appeal that has made it so successful on Steam. A charm due to a presentation that aspires to photorealism, with a compelling story somewhere between thriller and horror through two different historical eras. An excellent variety of situations and a very good longevity are further winning elements of a production that at the same time fails to hide a simplicity of structure and mechanics. This is a little gem from a small development team, which we recommend to fans of the genre and those who want to try something different and genuinely engaging.
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Hilarious jokes, incredible combat, and a revised mission structure mean that Darktide represents the most complete iteration of Fatshark and their cooperative combat: fast and fluid. However, the various bugs that plague the game hold us back from recommending it immediately to fans and non-fans of the genre; surely it will be in better shape in a few months. And perhaps, in a year or two, after a couple of expansions and numerous updates, it could be something nothing short of amazing to look forward to. As things stand, it is a good game and nothing more.
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After the sinking of Google's console, Wavetale finally lands at other shores. It does so full of hope, to make known its own fascinating plot full of melancholy suggestions set in a watercolor world. If narratively the title has won us over with the delicacy of the story and ludically it has entertained us with its simple mechanics (for some people probably even too basic), unfortunately the technical compartment is to date embarrassing. A tsunami of problems that we hope will be fixed as soon as possible.
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Super Kiwi 64 is the latest effort by Marcus Horn, a game developer who over the years has set himself a goal with his own Siactro label: to offer gamers nostalgic experiences at affordable prices. The goal is once again met: the production is a tribute to the era of Nintendo 64 classics, from which it inherits both the gameplay and technical aspects. With a price tag of just €2.99, it is almost impossible to discourage, unless you are completely refractory to low-poly aesthetics. For everyone else, you can give it a chance with the knowledge that it will be a short but enjoyable experience.
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The Chant demonstrates how the indie world is fertile ground for experimentalism in the survival horror theme. Brass Token inaugurates its debut with a bold product, somewhere between the suggestions of a taut, well-structured plot and openings toward a more action-oriented balance at the expense of survival. Paradoxically, the title's resourcefulness prevents it from fully focusing on its playful components, ending up as an enjoyable but not unmissable experience. A fluctuating technical compartment and an all too modest duration make it a title suitable primarily for horror fans who are nevertheless open to the more “eventful” hybridization of the action genre.
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Evil West is an extremely honest product. Unlike other titles that promise to bring smoky innovations, the Flying Wild Hog title simply wants to be a fun action adventure inspired by typical AA productions of previous video game generations. An accomplished goal, thanks to a sparkling combat system and a proudly B-movie horror appeal. Unfortunately, the excessive linearity of the level design and a technical compartment on which the crossgen nature weighs excessively prevent the project from reaching higher levels. With these understandings, buckle up and adjust your hats: the hunt for monstrosities in the Wild West has just begun.
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Jitsu Squad arrives on consoles bringing with it exaggerated and excessive fighting with an equally explosive visual presentation. Tanuki Creative Studio treasures the years of development by churning out a reckless beat'em'up that is beautiful to look at and fun to play, thanks to influences taken from the best classics and Capcom and ArkSys fighting games. Unfortunately, at present it is complex to recommend the title except to fans of the genre. The absence of online and a sometimes challenging readability are aspects that add to the title's meager play offering, which awaits the arrival of the promised free content for 2023. If the prospect does not deter you, give it quiet confidence: this team of warriors will win you over!
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We confess that we have a soft spot for independent productions carried out with courage and ambition, especially if they are proposed by a handful of developers. Togges is the fruit of the brave love of two brothers, who want to try to infuse new ideas into 3D worlds. A goal fully achieved, thanks to a charismatic narrative premise and, above all, original, fresh and fun gameplay. More puzzle game collectathon than classic 3D platformer, a circumstance that might alienate one part of the audience (and perhaps bring another closer), the Regular Studio production is one of the last great little surprises of this 2022.
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Goat Simulator 3 is the perfect definition of guilty pleasure. A title that, on paper, should not work at all: narrative stripped down to the bone, essential gameplay, playful situations haphazardly put together, technical compartment full of minor uncertainties. But, similarly to the bumblebee that flies by disregarding the laws of physics, Pilgrim the Goat brings with it an unprecedented load of destruction and fun. The Coffee Stain title is resplendent with crazy ideas and resounding easter eggs that can't help but leave a grin on your face. And once in a while, a video game should do just that: simply, entertain lightly.
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Approaching Syberia: The World Before is a melancholy task, aware that it is the late Benoît Sokal's last work. In some ways, Kate Walker's adventure may represent a spiritual testament to the legendary Belgian artist: a delicate and intimate tale dense with meaning, enhanced by sublime art direction and an evocative soundtrack. Despite some technical uncertainties and some game design choices that might make it unsuitable for those seeking intricate puzzles in graphic adventures, the fourth installment of Syberia is a worthy and moving tribute to this historic saga.
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What happens by adding to a solid metrodivania some mechanics taken from shoot'em'ups and card games? The Knight Witch is the answer. Deckbuilding and bullet hell action combined with a lavish presentation and a narrative rich in contemporary messages allow the Super Awesome Hyper Dimensional Mega Team production to become a simply explosive alchemical potion. A few ingenuities in game design and some balancing issues do not prevent the title from being one of the most interesting products on the independent market this late 2022.
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Somewhere between a dream project and a homage to a bygone video game era, Lunistice rushes into the indie scene with great awe. With sincerity and intellectual honesty, the A Grumpy Fox production appeals to the audience of platformer aficionados, winking at 32-bit classics both ludically and technically. The end result is an amazing title, capable of amusing and entertaining both those looking for a contained experience and those who will want to tackle everything the game has to offer. There is no better way to invest 4.99 euros.
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After its debut on PC and the honors collected in its homeland, Saint Kotar arrives on consoles proposing an investigative adventure with horror overtones. The religious and esoteric theme, along with a coherent art direction, contribute to make the Red Martyr Entertainment production an interesting title, thanks also to an appreciable wealth of content. However, those looking for a puzzle-filled graphic adventure may be disappointed, partly because of an undoubtedly brave but perhaps far too orthodox plot with a few too many rigidities in character characterization.
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After a nearly decade-long journey, Ghost Song finally sees the light of day. The Old Moon project, led by Matt White, turns out to be a solid and charming metroidvania that aims to honor Super Metroid and Dark Souls. An inspired art direction supports a rather classic gameplay that competently combines and synthesizes the paradigms of the reference genres, not without some minor smears. A title in which ludics and narrative blend into a beautiful nostalgic song that everyone should have a chance to hear.
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Save Room is a decidedly unscrupulous production. A puzzle game that takes a very clear inspiration from a hugely successful title, without trying too hard to propose elements of intrinsic originality. However, it is precisely the extreme adherence to a successful mechanic that allows the Fractal Projects title to be a very pleasant pastime, relaxing and rewarding in its restraint. A production in its own way honest and sincere that will be difficult not to appreciate to some extent, thanks also to a very accessible price tag.
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Saturnalia demonstrates the ambition and talent of Italian development team Santa Ragione. A classically based survival horror that marries roguelite mechanics within a fascinating investigative adventure steeped in Sardinian tradition and folklore. An incredibly researched production, graced by evocative themes and exciting art direction. It lacks some refinements to the gameplay, as well as more attention to the technical side and artificial intelligence. Marginal flaws, however, that take nothing away from an experience charged with a very strong personality.
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White Day: A Labyrinth Named School is a survival horror that has taken on cult status over the years thanks to its mix of setting and atmosphere. The production by South Korean team SONNORI Corp still manages to convey strong emotions, thanks to some ideas that have since found fortune in modern interpretations of the genre. However, the fidelity of the remake also preserves the issues of the balance of the play formula, which at times is excessively unbalanced toward frustration. A cult title for fans of the genre.
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Smurfs Kart arrives on Nintendo Switch thanks to the capable guys at Eden Games. A production that proves to be ludically convincing, with solid gameplay and a traditional structure in line with the reference genre. Unfortunately, the feeling is that the title has been able to rely on too little development time, due to the scarcity of tracks and modes, as well as the inherent lack of diversification and variety. The title therefore fails to aim for the honors reserved for the sacred monsters of the genre, remaining nevertheless a pleasant title for fans of the brand.
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